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Invite a Friend Sunday – September 23 Recent research has shown that the best-received means of seeing new people walk into one’s church is a personal invitation. However, it’s good to remember that in today’s culture, you might be inviting someone to attend a church service for the first time in their lives. Communicating the value of why a churchgoer attends is going to take some time. Almost 70% of Americans say a personal invitation from a family member or…

Why You Should Keep Taking Your Kids to Church I remember sitting as a kid in church sucking on wintergreen Lifesavers and coloring with a pencil that was supplied for me right there in the pew. I would fill in all the spaces in the e’s and o’s on the offering envelopes or bulletin. And though I might have been preoccupied with my mints and doodling, I was picking things up. Was it easy for my mom and dad to corral…

Advent marks the beginning of the church year. It begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. In 2017, Christmas falls on a Monday, and Christmas Eve on Sunday night. Thus, in 2017 Advent begins Sunday, December 3, and ends the morning of Sunday, December 24 three weeks plus a portion of an additional day. Advent comes from the Latin word, adventus, meaning “coming.” It is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ in various meanings: the promised…

“God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT) Why does God want us to live at peace with everyone? Because unresolved conflict has three devastating effects in your life. First, it blocks your fellowship with God. When you’re out of whack with others, you can’t be in harmony with God. When you’re distracted, when you’re in conflict with other people, you cannot have a clear…

An article I read recently likened a church’s visioning process to the story of sowing and reaping found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you…

Lakewood Church – The New Cool Pastor Carey Nieuwhof wrote a piece on the church thinking it needs to be “cool” to attract the younger generation. All around us is a rapidly changing culture, and when we ignore that culture, it’s not wise. It is still a great idea to use the culture to reach the culture, but you have to go beyond that. But being cool isn’t what it used to be… Cutting-edge keeps changing…fast. Constant connectivity online has sped…